3 Packers offseason decisions in 2024 that already look genius

Not every offseason move looks like a home run for the Green Bay Packers, but several are already paying off.

It was never going to be easy for general manager Brian Gutekunst to replicate last year's work. In 2023, he negotiated a great deal in the Aaron Rodgers trade, landed difference makers like Jayden Reed, Tucker Kraft, Dontayvion Wicks, and Carrington Valentine in the draft, and helped build an excellent young team around Jordan Love.

With Jordan Love's rise at the backend of last season reopening a Super Bowl window that had barely shut, the Packers made moves to build a championship roster this offseason.

It's only Week 3, but these decisions are already making Gutekunst and Matt LaFleur look like geniuses.

Offseason moves that already make the Packers look like geniuses

Signing Josh Jacobs

Halfway into the Packers' season opener, fans were experiencing buyer's remorse and wishing Aaron Jones could return home. Josh Jacobs had managed just four yards from six carries.

Since then, Jacobs has reminded us why he was the NFL rushing champion two years ago, turning 44 carries into 231 yards over the past six quarters. That includes a 32-carry effort in last week's victory over the Indianapolis Colts.

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Jacobs is proving he can take on a heavy workload when required. Based on the opening two games, it's clear why the Packers spent big to sign him, something they rarely do at the position. Jacobs is still one of the best running backs in the league.

While he won't carry the ball 32 times a game, Jacobs' current pace would put him close to 2,000 rushing yards on the season, which highlights just how impressive a start he has made.

Signing Xavier McKinney

On the same day the Packers signed Jacobs, they also brought in Xavier McKinney, making him the fourth-highest-paid safety in the league.

It already looks like a bargain.

Through two weeks, McKinney is tied for the league lead with two interceptions, with picks against the Philadelphia Eagles and Colts. He also has eight tackles and two pass defenses.

"He's kind of being the captain or the quarterback there, and he's done a really nice job with that," said defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. "That's exactly what I expected. He's a great football player. He can tackle, he can cover, he can play in deep zones. We blitzed him last game, too. He's a very versatile player and I think he's off to a really, really good start and I'm very, very happy he's here."

McKinney is the game-changer the Packers desperately needed in the secondary, and he has made the perfect start.

Hiring Jeff Hafley to replace Joe Barry

LaFleur finally listened to Packers fans' calls for change on defense, hiring Hafley to replace Joe Barry.

There are areas to clean up, mostly a rushing defense allowing 142 rushing yards per game, but Hafley's impact is already obvious.

Green Bay has forced six turnovers in two games, an NFL-best. The Packers' five interceptions are only two away from the seven they made all of last year. Hafley's unit is also making plays on third down. Per Team Rankings, Green Bay is allowing a conversion on just 26.1 percent of third downs, the sixth-best record in the league. Last year, the Packers ranked 28th in that category.

While the Packers must do a better job against the run and the pass rush needs to find more consistency, the early signs are encouraging for Hafley's new-look defense. LaFleur got it right.

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